Itauma set for January return after Hrgovic loss
Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 16 Oct, 18:38 · Archive
The 21-year-old heavyweight lost his first career fight to Filip Hrgovic in August but plans to return in January.
Moses Itauma will make his comeback in January against an established fighter as he attempts to rebuild following his first professional defeat. The 21-year-old British heavyweight lost to Croatian fighter Filip Hrgovic in an IBF world title showdown at The O2 Arena in August. Itauma dominated the first eight rounds, appearing destined to become the second youngest heavyweight champion after Mike Tyson, but exhaustion set in and Hrgovic forced a ninth-round stoppage.
Itauma said he needed time to accept the loss but is now ready to move forward. 'For a long time, I couldn't accept it had happened,' he stated. 'I was winning the fight so comfortably and then all of a sudden my body just started shutting itself down.' He stood by his decision to aim for greatness by attempting to knock Hrgovic out rather than box defensively.
Promoter Frank Warren confirmed the January comeback and suggested Itauma could be involved in a series of heavyweight fights next year involving Daniel Dubois, Fabio Wardley, Hrgovic and Agit Kabayel. Itauma, who had previously knocked out fighters including Dillian Whyte in the first round, said he had no warning that his conditioning would fail during the Hrgovic fight.
How it is being reported
- Moses Itauma eager for comeback fight after Filip Hrgovic revelationItauma stands by his decision to aim for “greatness” by attempting to knock Hrgovic outIndependent Sport · 16 Oct, 14:18
- Moses Itauma ready for next fight after coming to terms with Filip Hrgovic lossItauma stands by his decision to aim for “greatness” by attempting to knock Hrgovic out.Independent Sport · 16 Oct, 12:37
- Moses Itauma opens up on Filip Hrgovic defeat - 'I couldn't accept it'Itauma dominated Hrgovic for eight rounds of their world title clash in August before running out of steam as he was stopped by the CroatianMirror Sport · 16 Oct, 12:00
- Moses Itauma set for January return after loss at the hands of Filip HrgovicThe 21-year-old suffered the first defeat of his career in August.Independent Sport · 14 Oct, 16:02
In this story: Moses Itauma · Filip Hrgovic · Frank Warren · Mike Tyson · Dillian Whyte · The O2 Arena · Queensberry Promotions
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